Boy racers continuing to speed down hit-and-run road

Speeding youths race up and down Birchfield Lane on a regular basis according to one resident - who has urged highways bosses to install speed cameras.

These fears have been raised in the aftermath of the death of pedestrian Anthony Maskell on the busy road.

Mr Maskell, known as Tony, was walking along the dual carriageway when he was knocked down just outside the Whiteheath Tavern pub on July 30.

The 50-year-old was taken to hospital with a serious head injury but died the next day.

A female resident of the road, who asked to remain anonymous, said cars routinely race up the route 'much faster' than the 40mph speed limit.

This causes noise issues for residents, but also puts pedestrians at risk, she said.

"You can hear them revving up at the lights ready to pull away," the resident said.

"It's a concern for residents on both sides of the road and is an accident waiting to happen.

"I would suggest they need to install a camera on this stretch.

"You can hear them in the distance and if they see it's clear they put their foot down and and then they're gone. They are going much faster than 40mph.

"I've always wondered why there are no cameras here, as there's been two accidents in no time."

The boy racers speed down the stretch of road on most weekday evenings, according to the resident.

"You can always hear them going past, and everyone thinks to themselves 'they're here again'."

Ward Councillor Bill Gavan said installing traffic calming measures on the road would be a welcome addition.

"It's a very dangerous road to cross, particularly for elderly people.

"I would like to see some form of traffic management there."

West Midlands Police have urged the driver of a light-coloured Nissan thought to be involved in the collision with Mr Maskell to come forward so they can give his family the answers they need.

Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to call the unit on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.